Video: Detroit Appoints Mayor

DETROIT, AL. (WCBI)- The town of Detroit, Alabama now has a new mayor.

Councilman Bill Marsh Banks was appointed to the position.

His appointment, however, did not come without criticism.

A business owner, Keith King, started a petition to have Pete Welch appointed to mayor.

86 people of the town signed the petition but the council instead voted to appoint Banks.

During a very heated discussion, King stated that the people of Detroit wanted Welch as mayor and that the council should listen.

With a 3 in favor and 2 abstaining, Banks was voted as Detroit’s new mayor.

Mayor Gary Mullins passed away in August.

After he passed away, the council had 60 days to hold an special election to get a mayor.

No one signed up for the job.

King says the Bank’s appointment as new mayor wasn’t done fairly.

“Mr. Marsh Banks is a very good and outstanding person. I know this to be true. And I just don’t feel that he is qualified to be the mayor. I personally will be filing a complaint with the circuit clerk’s office,” says Keith King.

Neither Welch nor Banks wanted to talk on camera. But Welch did say he respects the city council’s decision.